These African Destinations Are Accepting U.S. Travelers

Last Updated: September 1st, 2020

The Realness: The team at Tastemakers prides ourselves in being in the know. We are connected to governments, travel authorities, and cultural icons across the Continent. We also work with our curators to keep up to date on what the tourist experience looks like in every country our travelers explore. With that said, we are not health experts. The CDC warns that "Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19," and the US State Department advises citizens to "avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19." Your decision to travel in these times is up to you. If you decide to travel again, we hope you use the best possible information (psst - we recommend the Africa CDC) to make sure you do so as safely as possible. And whenever you do decide to travel, we'll be here with the insider information to (safely) connect you to the culture, the Continent, and the Diaspora.

With Covid-19 growing worse in the U.S. we know even your longest term travel plans are being re-worked. No matter what your approach is to making new plans, we're here to help.

To those staying home for the next few months: we get it and we're with you. If you're still looking to explore your journey to the Continent from home, you can catch us at The Thread, Tastemakers monthly-ish series of conversations unpacking the potential for Pan-Africanism in a post-"Year of Return" moment for the culture.

To those ditching the next international trip and jumping in the car: we got you too. We're all for sharing our tips on the best culture and experiences across the U.S. and will keep adding wisdom to the journal.

And to those planning that next trip to the continent, here are destinations still accepting U.S. travelers. We also keep a real-time database of all open borders across Africa. 👉 check it here in the journal.

1. United States (no, really)

Ok, we know this isn't the African destination you've been dreaming of, far from it. But depending on where you are, a road trip might be your best option. We especially love following our friend Jessica Nabongo's road trip across the country. And if you're looking to support those Black-owned businesses in every corner of the states, we recommend following our friend Marty Santiago who's been updating the famous green book travel guide for the present day.

Status for U.S. Travelers: Open, with restrictions

Restrictions: Some US states recommend Quarantining upon arrival; More information here

Insider Level: 🌟🌟

2. Tanzania

Tanzania is open for tourists. If you're looking for some socially-distant beachside luxury and beauty, then Zanzibar might be your next move. We recommend you follow our friend Justa Lujwangana of Curious on Tanzania for some ideas on your next trip. Until then, Daron Bandeira will keep you dreaming of visiting the Tanzania coast.

Status for U.S. Travelers: Open, with restrictions

Restrictions: Valid negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure; Possible health screening upon arrival

Insider Level: 🌟

View this post on Instagram

• in it together • So often we see people representing indigenous or traditional culture and treat them as props (even when we are sharing with our skinfolk) We saw this image from @gezellerenee in Zanzibar and immediately smiled at the dynamism and genuine connectivity in the gesture. We must be thoughtful in how we engage our people, how we share space, and how we find value in our exchanges being mindful not to objectify as we glorify. #wemovefreely ________ #wemovefreely is a visual dialogue in honor of #blackhistorymonth that symbolizes the power of traveling to and throughout the continent while honoring the importance of making connections and participating in transformation along the way. We’ll be sharing our own journey and moments as a nod to the past and a foundation for the future. We invite you to join us by sharing your stories and tagging #tstmkrsafrica #wemovefreely in the images and moment that inspire you.

A post shared by Tastemakers Africa (@tstmkrsafrica) on Feb 13, 2020 at 3:23pm PST

3. Rwanda

As of August 1st, Rwanda is open for all tourists. Testing before and after your flight is mandatory, but there is no mandatory quarantine. If Kigali is too crowded, you can catch some paradise by planning a trek out to Gisenyi.

Status for U.S. Travelers: Open, with restrictions

Restrictions: Valid negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure; COVID-19 test upon arrival (and quarantine at your hotel until the results come back)

Insider Level: 🌟🌟🌟

4. Egypt

Egypt relaxed travel restrictions for all travelers on July 1st. On our list of #africandreamscapes, and on your bucket list are the great pyramids. If you're up for an adventure, we recommend Egypt.

Status for U.S. Travelers: Open, with restrictions

Restrictions: We believe a valid negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure; Temperature checks upon arrival

Insider Level: 🌟🌟

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• walking into the weekend • @ashleemajormoss and @alivelikethewind at the Great Pyramids of Giza is our Friday mood and inspiration. How many of you have seeing the pyramids on your bucket list? #africandreamscapes ______ We’re sharing #africandreamscapes this week to keep us all inspired and in good spirits during COVID-19. In this unprecedented time we hope this light is useful as we work to make sure everyone in our community stays safe.

A post shared by Tastemakers Africa (@tstmkrsafrica) on Mar 20, 2020 at 8:20am PDT

Wherever your travel plans take you: the Continent, the U.S., or your couch 😆, we'll be here with travel information, inspiration, and community. If you don't already, you can follow us on the gram for weekly doses of travel. And if you're looking to connect across the Diaspora without airplanes, the Tastemakers Membership might be a good place to start.

Until we can all convene again - explore, enjoy, and stay safe ✌️

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• ramadan mubarak • This shot taken by @suppermody in Qena, Egypt captures community in all its glory. It’s an iftar dinner with many generations in the open. Last year I observed Ramadan for the first time and was actually in Dakar for Eid. I was blown away by the hospitality and gathering around iftar each evening - breaking fast together. In Dakar, people hand out figs and tea for free on the streets so that people who have to work or who are less fortunate are still able to break fast #incommunion with everyone else. Iftar’s will be smaller this year and some may be virtual but the meaning and intention will stay the same. This togetherness, cooperation, and shared experience of fasting is something that likely resonates with us all at this time. Keep well everyone.

A post shared by Tastemakers Africa (@tstmkrsafrica) on Apr 24, 2020 at 9:59am PDT